Dancing In The Rain by Patrick Councilor

[ Here's To Auspicious Disclosures ]

It was a beautiful night with a light rain. It was a perfect night for Niles and Daphne to be out in it. He was a little irritated about not being able to have their date night tonight, as Niles arrived with his family at his father's house. Martin and Ronee met the family at the house door. They gave their grandkids hugs and kisses. Then, they hugged Niles and Daphne and took their coats.

"So where are you taking us tonight?" Daphne asked.

"You leave that up to us," Ronee said with their coats in her arms. "Can we get you a drink before we go?"

Both Daphne and Niles declined. Daphne looked around Martin and Ronee's house. It was painted in whites and always had that cozy feeling to it as if you had expected to find a comfy blanket made of patch-work lying around.

"Alright Dad, we're here," Niles said in a matter-of-fact way. "Now why were you so zealous for us to change our plans? Is your coupon about to expire?"

Niles expected a blunt reply, but Martin just stood there smiling. "What? What is it?"

"Maybe I don't know where to take you for dinner."

"Well that's okay Dad. I can suggest a few places."

"We're not going to a hoity-toity place tonight Niles." Daphne surely didn't want her in-laws flipping for a bill that size.

Niles shot Martin a double take. "You invited us out without dinner plans? That doesn't sound like you Dad."

Martin never lost his smile. "Just maybe it wasn't my idea to take you out."

"Well, where did Ronee have in mi…" Niles shot his father another look. "Dad, what are you up to?"

Martin shook his head. "It wasn't her idea either."

"Well then, who's…" Niles stopped in mid-sentence when his father was gesturing behind them.

They turned.

Frasier was standing in the frame of the open front door with open arms. Niles game him a hug followed by Daphne. "Frasier, great to see you! When did you get in? How long will you be staying?"

Frasier took a quick glance at his watch. "All your questions will be answered in due time. We have reservations and the time is at hand, so I suggest we get moving."

[ Le Cigare Volant ]

Le Cigare Volant always had the perfect lighting to dine. The chandelier lighting was elegantly enhanced with the table candles. Inclusive to the reservations, a small crystal vase with a small rose was placed for each lady at the table. It was set for five adults, a high-chair and a chair with a booster seat.

"Oh my," Daphne said. She was always taken back by the beauty of the rooms and the grandeur of the place settings no matter how many times Niles had taken her here. The folding of the napkins looked like each one was done with a straight edge and ruler. The cloth table cloth and napkins were always finely pressed and the plates and utensils were dynamically set into place.

After everybody ordered, Frasier ordered three very special bottles of wine. When everyone was served a glass, he stood to make a toast. "To my family, whom just so happens to be my very best friends. Dad and Ronee where kind enough to pick me up from the airport so I could surprise you all…"

"Here it comes", Daphne thought. He was about to announce his marriage with Charlotte or perhaps an expected bundle of joy that would soon be gracing them with its presence. Yet, why would he do that without Charlotte here?

Niles' mind was running as well. Although he wouldn't be making any predictions, if he had to bet, his money would be on Frasier announcing that he had landed a TV talk show there in Chicago, much like the one he left in San Francisco in order to be with Charlotte.

"Through much consideration, I have decided that my home is here in Seattle. So I have come home to stay."

There was a mixture of everyone talking at once. "Congratulations", "It sure is great to have you back", and "When is Charlotte coming?"

Frasier held up his hand much like he was asking an audience to quiet down. "Charlotte had to stay back to wrap a few things up. She'll be coming later."

"We should be taking you out to dinner Frasier," Niles commented.

"Oh please, it is my pleasure."

"What are you going to do for work?" Ronee asked.

"I'm going to see about getting my job back at KACL."

"Well, that's great news son," Martin said as he took his napkin off of his lap and placed it on the table. "But, if I'm going to have room for my 'a'la carte dish thing', I'd best use the can."

"I'll go with you Dad," Frasier said, placing his wine glass down.

In the men's room, Frasier asked, "Dad, is there something going on with Niles?"

"What do ya mean?"

"When I mentioned that I was moving back, he didn't look too happy with my announcement."

"Ah, it's probably nothing Frase."

"Perhaps you're right Dad." Yet Frasier had the look as if he wasn't being truthful. He had picked up on something. This wasn't like Niles and he felt he had great cause for concern.